The training went well, and we learned a few things that can help us a lot in our work. I’m so glad that we’ve the guidance of Presidente Neves to help us in the ways that we can bring people closer to the Lord.
The time he spent with us was AMAZING. One of the coolest things that happened was that we started driving back to Tarrafal from Assomada, it’s about a 45 min drive, when all of a sudden, presidente Neves looked at me and said, "Would you like to drive?"
I got to drive president Neves car back to Tarrafal. It was awesome!!! I haven’t driven in forever, and I was so happy that the car was manual. It assured me that I’m going to appreciate a manual car when I get back.
We taught Lacy with Presidente Neves, and he was making comments on Lacy´s progress on how amazing it is. We’re happy for him because he came to Church this Sunday. If all continues to go well, he’ll have a baptismal interview this week.
Alex is back and is now 3 weeks without falling. If he goes one more week, I’ll authorize him to take the sacrament again. He said that he experienced some very strong spiritual experiences while he was out in Assomada studying for his test. He is happier than he has been in a long time, and he says that temptation is going away more and more.
Tony is doing well. We have to be a little more patient with him because he seems to have ADD and will ask us about 30 questions per lesson, to which maybe two will have to do with what we’re talking about.
Overall, great week!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
President Neves will be walking with us...
This was a rather interesting week.
Tony has two weeks left before his baptism. I hope it happens because we have had baptisms that have fallen apart in the past. So far, it seems that he’s going to go through with it. He has not missed church and is going to all the activities. He’s a quiet person. Last Saturday when we were walking back home from Integration Night, we asked him "Why do you like to come to church so much" (He is there every single day) He responded saying that he feels good and that his life is better as a result of how much he is coming to church. It was a very reassuring response. I hope he goes through with it.
On the same subject, we’ll find out soon enough if Lacy and Code are going to go through with their baptism, as well. They both missed church last Sunday, and Lacy has this habit of disappearing for a few days and then re appearing when he wants to. We’re going to see him later today to teach him and will find out what is going on. Code seems to be doing well.
We found a new investigator this week that seems to be accepting the teachings quite well. We gave him a book of Mormon (O livro de Mórmon) and told him to read some. He did and says that since he started reading it, he has had more and more of a desire to be doing productive things with his life, like study or what not than just sitting around. He says that after reading the book of Mormon, he had the desire to study math for his classes. He said that normally he hates math and that studying is painful for him. He says that he thinks he’s receiving the answer that the Book of Mormon is true. This is incredible, and I’m excited to work with him more this coming week
Something interesting is happening next week. Presidente Neves will be going into Assomada to give our district a special training. We’re meeting with him there, and afterwards, he’s taking us back to Tarrafal. He’ll be walking with us for the rest of the day as a third missionary, and of course, I’m quite nervous because he’s our mission president.
I’ve seen Oswaldo. He’s fully active now and going to seminary every day. He’s doing great and getting close to us as a friend. He is very smart and his Portuguese is impeccable. It’s nice to hear someone actually speaking Portuguese every once in a while.
Elder Cuestas.
Tony has two weeks left before his baptism. I hope it happens because we have had baptisms that have fallen apart in the past. So far, it seems that he’s going to go through with it. He has not missed church and is going to all the activities. He’s a quiet person. Last Saturday when we were walking back home from Integration Night, we asked him "Why do you like to come to church so much" (He is there every single day) He responded saying that he feels good and that his life is better as a result of how much he is coming to church. It was a very reassuring response. I hope he goes through with it.
On the same subject, we’ll find out soon enough if Lacy and Code are going to go through with their baptism, as well. They both missed church last Sunday, and Lacy has this habit of disappearing for a few days and then re appearing when he wants to. We’re going to see him later today to teach him and will find out what is going on. Code seems to be doing well.
We found a new investigator this week that seems to be accepting the teachings quite well. We gave him a book of Mormon (O livro de Mórmon) and told him to read some. He did and says that since he started reading it, he has had more and more of a desire to be doing productive things with his life, like study or what not than just sitting around. He says that after reading the book of Mormon, he had the desire to study math for his classes. He said that normally he hates math and that studying is painful for him. He says that he thinks he’s receiving the answer that the Book of Mormon is true. This is incredible, and I’m excited to work with him more this coming week
Something interesting is happening next week. Presidente Neves will be going into Assomada to give our district a special training. We’re meeting with him there, and afterwards, he’s taking us back to Tarrafal. He’ll be walking with us for the rest of the day as a third missionary, and of course, I’m quite nervous because he’s our mission president.
I’ve seen Oswaldo. He’s fully active now and going to seminary every day. He’s doing great and getting close to us as a friend. He is very smart and his Portuguese is impeccable. It’s nice to hear someone actually speaking Portuguese every once in a while.
Elder Cuestas.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Branch Presidency is going well
Elder Coleman got to talk to his family, and it seems that things are going good for him back home, too.
I’ll say that this week was a bit challenging.
Ivandro´s dad bought him a Hiace/car to start his own business, so he moved away from his house in Tarrafal. We’re thinking about contacting the other missionaries in Assomada, where he now lives, to see if we can get his teaching record transferred, if he still wants to continue. It was tough because he was scheduled to be baptized this Saturday.
Tony is doing well. He should be baptized at the end of the month. He’s pretty much at church every day at some activity, and he’s coming to church on his own on Sundays. He has ADD, so the lessons can be a little tough, and he’s having some problems reading the book of Mormon because of that very cause, but nothing that is especially challenging.
Branch presidency is going well. Things seem to be getting better week by week with more people going to church and more people magnifying their callings, and what not. I’m glad with the way things are going, and I hope and pray that they’ll continue to keep going in that direction.
Mulato´s best friend Oswaldo, a less active has been fully reactivated, and I’m preparing him to move up to Priest in the Aaronic priesthood with interviews and what not. I’m so pleased to see him back in business.
Alex had to go to Assomada for about 2.5 weeks to complete a study for his driver’s license. They are actually very rigid about that here. He’s still making some major progress, and I think that he’s going to succeed here soon in breaking his addiction. He’s now reading his scriptures more and more.
Elder Cuestas
I’ll say that this week was a bit challenging.
Ivandro´s dad bought him a Hiace/car to start his own business, so he moved away from his house in Tarrafal. We’re thinking about contacting the other missionaries in Assomada, where he now lives, to see if we can get his teaching record transferred, if he still wants to continue. It was tough because he was scheduled to be baptized this Saturday.
Tony is doing well. He should be baptized at the end of the month. He’s pretty much at church every day at some activity, and he’s coming to church on his own on Sundays. He has ADD, so the lessons can be a little tough, and he’s having some problems reading the book of Mormon because of that very cause, but nothing that is especially challenging.
Branch presidency is going well. Things seem to be getting better week by week with more people going to church and more people magnifying their callings, and what not. I’m glad with the way things are going, and I hope and pray that they’ll continue to keep going in that direction.
Mulato´s best friend Oswaldo, a less active has been fully reactivated, and I’m preparing him to move up to Priest in the Aaronic priesthood with interviews and what not. I’m so pleased to see him back in business.
Alex had to go to Assomada for about 2.5 weeks to complete a study for his driver’s license. They are actually very rigid about that here. He’s still making some major progress, and I think that he’s going to succeed here soon in breaking his addiction. He’s now reading his scriptures more and more.
Elder Cuestas
Monday, May 2, 2011
First week as BP
So I directed my fist meeting last Sunday. It went ok, and it was a lot easier since it was testimony Sunday. The District president was there to announce how I am now BP
OSAMA IS DEAD!!!!! Everyone here is talking about it.
Elder Coleman is just way chill. He is really funny, and I'm so glad that he is open-minded. I feel that we’re discussing the work as a team and that we’re truly targeting the needs of the people here in Tarrafal. Please pray for him. He has been fighting digestive problems for some time.
Here is an update on some of the people.
Alex showed an incredible step of faith this Sunday. Sick to his stomach and still came to church. OVER A WEEK and he is clean!!!! I am so happy for him. We had some time to talk last Saturday. He started crying and told me that he never met someone that has cared about him so much. He told me he is now happier than he has been in a long time and that he feels the spirit coming back into his life. I am so glad for him, and I will never give up on him no matter how many times he falls. We now hang out with him every Monday.
Steven is doing well. He has been staying up very late on Saturdays, so he missed two Sundays in a row. We had a really good conversation with him on Sunday and got him remotivated to get better and doing the stuff that he needs to do. He will be baptized at the end of the month.
Tony. We marked a date with him for the end of the month. At testimony meeting, he got up and bore his testimony. He is doing very good and is showing up to all the activities. He is practically at church every single day.
Jack (Cerique) is doing well as usual. Pillow and I are starting to form a closer relationship. We are trying to convince him to go on a mission instead of the army. We will see what happens.
Elder Cuestas
OSAMA IS DEAD!!!!! Everyone here is talking about it.
Elder Coleman is just way chill. He is really funny, and I'm so glad that he is open-minded. I feel that we’re discussing the work as a team and that we’re truly targeting the needs of the people here in Tarrafal. Please pray for him. He has been fighting digestive problems for some time.
Here is an update on some of the people.
Alex showed an incredible step of faith this Sunday. Sick to his stomach and still came to church. OVER A WEEK and he is clean!!!! I am so happy for him. We had some time to talk last Saturday. He started crying and told me that he never met someone that has cared about him so much. He told me he is now happier than he has been in a long time and that he feels the spirit coming back into his life. I am so glad for him, and I will never give up on him no matter how many times he falls. We now hang out with him every Monday.
Steven is doing well. He has been staying up very late on Saturdays, so he missed two Sundays in a row. We had a really good conversation with him on Sunday and got him remotivated to get better and doing the stuff that he needs to do. He will be baptized at the end of the month.
Tony. We marked a date with him for the end of the month. At testimony meeting, he got up and bore his testimony. He is doing very good and is showing up to all the activities. He is practically at church every single day.
Jack (Cerique) is doing well as usual. Pillow and I are starting to form a closer relationship. We are trying to convince him to go on a mission instead of the army. We will see what happens.
Elder Cuestas
Monday, April 25, 2011
I got called as the Branch President in Tarrafal
So transfer calls came and Elder Fonseca got transferred back to Praia. He's now serving as a Zone Leader for Santiago South.
I'm staying in Tarrafal and I got called as the Branch President. Holy heck this is going to take some serious relying on the Lord. I'm in charge of the Church in Tarrafal. This is going to be some crazy work. I'm excited and I feel honored that the Lord has confided such a calling in me. I feel like I can do this, and I'm confident that the Lord will direct me in how that I need to move this work forward with the work of my new companion.
I went to Praia this morning to drop off elder Fonseca in his new area and to pick up my new companion who came in from São Vicente. His name is Elder Coleman and he is from Layton Utah.
This will be my first American companion. We will see how it goes. We have not had much time with each other. Only a few hours, but I'm more than confident that things are going to work out just as I made them work out with Elder Fonseca. I have learned that on the mission, you can get along with every one since you have the spirit of the Lord so strong. I am excited to get him filled in on the work.
Alex came to church!!! That’s 3 times in a row. He did something that touched my heart. This is someone who does not talk about his feelings. Last Friday he put his arm around me and said that he will never forget me. He said that I was his brother and that he's grateful for all that I've done for him. I know that it was not me that helped him, but the spirit of the Lord that has trusted me to help the people here.
We have two new investigators that came to church, and one accepted a date for baptism. His name is Tony, and he’s probably one of the poorest people I’ve seen so far. He has three shirts, two shorts, and one pair of pants. He’s very humble and quick to make friends. He's showing up at all the church activities and came to church for the first time last week.
Julia is now taking the sacrament and staying free of alcohol. She is doing better than I have ever seen before. Cedrique ("Jack") is doing incredibly strong. He is one of the Sunday school teachers and is magnifying his calling very well. It is so nice to see that because he is preparing to go on a mission. Ivandro, all being good will be baptized in two weeks. Steven will be baptized at the end of this month.
I want to emphasize how happy I'm to be here. My life is amazing, and I think I can say that sharing the gospel is one of the best things to do in this life. I love this gospel, and I have seen with my very own eyes what it has done to the lives of others who have nothing.
I have come to a realization that many people long to see. I'm in heaven. I'm in paradise. These have been some of the happiest moments of my life as I forget myself and focus on how I can help other people to discover the sweetness of the spirit of the Lord. I have seen how people transform from hopeless to hopeful. Some of these people have nothing to give you. They don’t even have a chair for you to sit on in their house. Then you realize that they give you their hearts and that is more than you could ever ask for.
My life is a dream right now. My life is in the Lord’s hands as He directs me for the benefit of others. This mission has moved my life in such a way that I thank my Lord endlessly, and affirm that such a gift, I am not deserving of.
This country is incredible. These people are gold, and I have found a place in my heart that will never go away for the people of Cape Verde. I know that Christ lives, and I know that he loves us. I know that the Lord forgets none of his children, and I will spend the rest of my life thanking him for the gift he has given me as calling me to be one of his servants and special testimonies.
Elder Cuestas
I'm staying in Tarrafal and I got called as the Branch President. Holy heck this is going to take some serious relying on the Lord. I'm in charge of the Church in Tarrafal. This is going to be some crazy work. I'm excited and I feel honored that the Lord has confided such a calling in me. I feel like I can do this, and I'm confident that the Lord will direct me in how that I need to move this work forward with the work of my new companion.
I went to Praia this morning to drop off elder Fonseca in his new area and to pick up my new companion who came in from São Vicente. His name is Elder Coleman and he is from Layton Utah.
This will be my first American companion. We will see how it goes. We have not had much time with each other. Only a few hours, but I'm more than confident that things are going to work out just as I made them work out with Elder Fonseca. I have learned that on the mission, you can get along with every one since you have the spirit of the Lord so strong. I am excited to get him filled in on the work.
Alex came to church!!! That’s 3 times in a row. He did something that touched my heart. This is someone who does not talk about his feelings. Last Friday he put his arm around me and said that he will never forget me. He said that I was his brother and that he's grateful for all that I've done for him. I know that it was not me that helped him, but the spirit of the Lord that has trusted me to help the people here.
We have two new investigators that came to church, and one accepted a date for baptism. His name is Tony, and he’s probably one of the poorest people I’ve seen so far. He has three shirts, two shorts, and one pair of pants. He’s very humble and quick to make friends. He's showing up at all the church activities and came to church for the first time last week.
Julia is now taking the sacrament and staying free of alcohol. She is doing better than I have ever seen before. Cedrique ("Jack") is doing incredibly strong. He is one of the Sunday school teachers and is magnifying his calling very well. It is so nice to see that because he is preparing to go on a mission. Ivandro, all being good will be baptized in two weeks. Steven will be baptized at the end of this month.
I want to emphasize how happy I'm to be here. My life is amazing, and I think I can say that sharing the gospel is one of the best things to do in this life. I love this gospel, and I have seen with my very own eyes what it has done to the lives of others who have nothing.
I have come to a realization that many people long to see. I'm in heaven. I'm in paradise. These have been some of the happiest moments of my life as I forget myself and focus on how I can help other people to discover the sweetness of the spirit of the Lord. I have seen how people transform from hopeless to hopeful. Some of these people have nothing to give you. They don’t even have a chair for you to sit on in their house. Then you realize that they give you their hearts and that is more than you could ever ask for.
My life is a dream right now. My life is in the Lord’s hands as He directs me for the benefit of others. This mission has moved my life in such a way that I thank my Lord endlessly, and affirm that such a gift, I am not deserving of.
This country is incredible. These people are gold, and I have found a place in my heart that will never go away for the people of Cape Verde. I know that Christ lives, and I know that he loves us. I know that the Lord forgets none of his children, and I will spend the rest of my life thanking him for the gift he has given me as calling me to be one of his servants and special testimonies.
Elder Cuestas
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Transfers are next Saturday
We have been having tons of water problems this week. We go 4 or 5 days without water. We have a 50L reserve tank, but we have to boil the water to drink it, and I get lazy. Ha-ha. No big deal. I usually start boiling water as soon as I get home from work.
Transfers are next Saturday, and everyone is hoping that I stay. It’s so nice to hear that. It makes me feel really cool. I love all the friendships I have been making.
Alex hung out with all of us on P day and we went and walked along the beachside with him and hung out. The beach here is awesome. The water is blue and the sand is white or black depends where you are.
Both Ivandro and Steven came to church this time and it was such a joy to have them. Steven is getting more and more happy about being a part of the church. He is excited to be baptized. Ivandro already has a testimony, and we are looking forward to his baptism.
JULIA IS DOING INCREDIBLE: I am soooo happy for her!!!! ONE MONTH WITHOUT DRINKING. Elder Fonseca authorized her to take the sacrament for the first time last Sunday. Pretty soon, she will be receiving a church call again. She seems to be stronger and stronger every time.
I am fully fluent in Creole now. It’s no problem. I understand every single thing I hear. It’s good because Alex only talks to me in Creole. Elizeu too. He’s been good as well. He is just looking for work and going teaching with us.
Did you know that our mission president is finishing his call in July? We will have a new mission president then. His name is President DeOliveira, and he is from Brazil, but has lived in Bountiful Utah for a long time.
People carry EVERYTHING on their heads here. The coolest thing about Cape Verde is that you’ll see women with buckets full of whatever on their heads and you can buy stuff from them right on the street. We always buy fruit from them. It’s much cheaper than in the store.
Cape Verdinians always try to look their best. You’ll see them with jeans, shoes, and shoulder bags. Lots of the women cover their heads with bandannas, but they wear the same thing. It’s usually very modest. They are very humble people. You almost never hear someone cuss here or call someone else a bad name,
Temples are very important to the members here, and many spend several years just traveling to the temple.
There is a very strange tradition for funerals. They will happen like any other, but the older more traditional people will wear black for an entire year in mourning of the death.
Elder Cuestas
Transfers are next Saturday, and everyone is hoping that I stay. It’s so nice to hear that. It makes me feel really cool. I love all the friendships I have been making.
Alex hung out with all of us on P day and we went and walked along the beachside with him and hung out. The beach here is awesome. The water is blue and the sand is white or black depends where you are.
Both Ivandro and Steven came to church this time and it was such a joy to have them. Steven is getting more and more happy about being a part of the church. He is excited to be baptized. Ivandro already has a testimony, and we are looking forward to his baptism.
JULIA IS DOING INCREDIBLE: I am soooo happy for her!!!! ONE MONTH WITHOUT DRINKING. Elder Fonseca authorized her to take the sacrament for the first time last Sunday. Pretty soon, she will be receiving a church call again. She seems to be stronger and stronger every time.
I am fully fluent in Creole now. It’s no problem. I understand every single thing I hear. It’s good because Alex only talks to me in Creole. Elizeu too. He’s been good as well. He is just looking for work and going teaching with us.
Did you know that our mission president is finishing his call in July? We will have a new mission president then. His name is President DeOliveira, and he is from Brazil, but has lived in Bountiful Utah for a long time.
People carry EVERYTHING on their heads here. The coolest thing about Cape Verde is that you’ll see women with buckets full of whatever on their heads and you can buy stuff from them right on the street. We always buy fruit from them. It’s much cheaper than in the store.
Cape Verdinians always try to look their best. You’ll see them with jeans, shoes, and shoulder bags. Lots of the women cover their heads with bandannas, but they wear the same thing. It’s usually very modest. They are very humble people. You almost never hear someone cuss here or call someone else a bad name,
Temples are very important to the members here, and many spend several years just traveling to the temple.
There is a very strange tradition for funerals. They will happen like any other, but the older more traditional people will wear black for an entire year in mourning of the death.
Elder Cuestas
Monday, April 11, 2011
Zone Conference was pretty cool
Sister Lapeyrouse sent me a package of American food like Oreo cookies, Mac and cheese, and cliff bars. My companion and I shared them and ate everything already.
About the violence, there is a lot of violence, but it is very concentrated. It is only in the cities of Praia, Mindelo and some parts of the island of Sal. Where I am, is more peaceful than back in the US. After 9 p.m., the streets are dead quiet except for young people that like to hang out outside their houses. All of them will greet you and shake hands with you. It is not uncommon to find a person you have never met before and shake hands and give them a pat on the back. They will act like you have been friends with them for 10 years.
The people in Tarrafal are some of the friendliest people I have met in my life. That is why I am so happy here. The only stuff that happens here is drunken people trying to have conversations about religion with you. You smile, act like Christ would and talk with them and go about your way. All the other places are like that too. There is very little crime here in Tarrafal.
Something amazing that happened yesterday is that Steven came to church on his own. We taught him later in his house that day and marked another baptismal date with him. I am so happy. This time it really seems like it’s going to work out. He is showing up to more and more activities and seems happier that he is going to church more often. Everyone is giving him a warm welcome!
Ivandro has a baptismal date too and is doing well. He sees us like his friends and talks openly with us and is grateful how we are with him.
Batcha and Mulato are on school holidays, so as a result, we have been playing soccer with them and the other members from 5:30 to 7 in the morning. It has been amazing, and I am getting really good at soccer.
Zone Conference was pretty cool. The steak was good and we got ice cream too. Ha-ha. The Hiace/Van was a bit frustrating because he did many turns around the city before
going back to Tarrafal. Hiaces/Vans will do that to try to fill up before they go to their destinations, so we usually try to find one that is almost full, but they were all empty at the time. I was exhausted coming back.
Some people will cook for us, but it’s not common. Like I said, Tarrafal is a village and people are very poor here. Most houses don’t even have electricity.
One thing that happened that I am so happy about is that we have been working with a less active member with a Marijuana addiction. His name is Alex and we have been developing a lot of care for him. He came to church yesterday and bore his testimony. A HUGE step.
Elder Gianluca Cuestas
About the violence, there is a lot of violence, but it is very concentrated. It is only in the cities of Praia, Mindelo and some parts of the island of Sal. Where I am, is more peaceful than back in the US. After 9 p.m., the streets are dead quiet except for young people that like to hang out outside their houses. All of them will greet you and shake hands with you. It is not uncommon to find a person you have never met before and shake hands and give them a pat on the back. They will act like you have been friends with them for 10 years.
The people in Tarrafal are some of the friendliest people I have met in my life. That is why I am so happy here. The only stuff that happens here is drunken people trying to have conversations about religion with you. You smile, act like Christ would and talk with them and go about your way. All the other places are like that too. There is very little crime here in Tarrafal.
Something amazing that happened yesterday is that Steven came to church on his own. We taught him later in his house that day and marked another baptismal date with him. I am so happy. This time it really seems like it’s going to work out. He is showing up to more and more activities and seems happier that he is going to church more often. Everyone is giving him a warm welcome!
Ivandro has a baptismal date too and is doing well. He sees us like his friends and talks openly with us and is grateful how we are with him.
Batcha and Mulato are on school holidays, so as a result, we have been playing soccer with them and the other members from 5:30 to 7 in the morning. It has been amazing, and I am getting really good at soccer.
Zone Conference was pretty cool. The steak was good and we got ice cream too. Ha-ha. The Hiace/Van was a bit frustrating because he did many turns around the city before
going back to Tarrafal. Hiaces/Vans will do that to try to fill up before they go to their destinations, so we usually try to find one that is almost full, but they were all empty at the time. I was exhausted coming back.
Some people will cook for us, but it’s not common. Like I said, Tarrafal is a village and people are very poor here. Most houses don’t even have electricity.
One thing that happened that I am so happy about is that we have been working with a less active member with a Marijuana addiction. His name is Alex and we have been developing a lot of care for him. He came to church yesterday and bore his testimony. A HUGE step.
Elder Gianluca Cuestas
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